December in the festive Ljubljana

Ljubljana is classified as a mid-sized European city, but it has preserved its small-town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere while providing all the facilities of a modern capital. It is a very unique city dotted with pleasant picturesque places where you can expect all kinds of nice little surprises. During the summer months, Ljubljana has a relaxed Mediterranean feel, whereas during winter one can feel its dreamy central European character. On the other hand, Ljubljana specially comes to life in December…

The festively decorated old city centre will see a range of events intended for people of all ages and tastes. The December festivities in Ljubljana traditionally begin on 3 December at 5 PM with the event `People, let`s turn on the lights` when Ljubljana symbolically honours the birthday of its most famous poet, France Prešeren – at the same time, the December holiday decoration is presented and the festive lights turned on.

Each year in December, Ljubljana`s Festive Fair becomes the centre of the city`s social life. The Festive Fair, set up in the immediate vicinity of a major open-air venue for festive events held daily throughout December, is well known for its vibrancy and cheerful atmosphere. Festively decorated green stalls sell a fine selection of products suitable for giving as gifts. For many years now, the Festive Fair, with its countless food and drink stalls offering mulled wine, tea, liqueurs, sausages and various grilled dishes, has been considered to be a major venue for what the locals refer to as "merry December in Ljubljana Old Town" and see as a perfect opportunity to bump into friends and acquaintances whom they may not have seen for a while.

Children will be delighted with the St. Nicholas procession and Santa Claus` procession, while lovers of all kinds of music will be thrilled about the numerous concerts taking place in the city centre. In the square in front of the Town Hall, the Good Fairy will be fulfilling the wishes of anyone approaching her: the good and the naughty, the big and the small, the young and the elderly…

The annual free Christmas Concert will once again offer an opportunity to enjoy performances by top Slovenian musicians amidst the festive atmosphere of the beautifully decorated Ljubljana.

The traditional New Year`s Eve party will again be organised outside, including fireworks from Ljubljana castle and some other surprises. Additional winter atmosphere will be provided by the ice rink at Congress square between 3 December and the beginning of January.

Furthermore, on the Visit Ljubljana website you can also find and book your own December tourist package. Packages that are available at low prices combine two overnight stays in one of Ljubljana`s hotels as well as other experiences in Ljubljana.

Moreover, don`t forget that Ljubljana is, with its geographical position, also a perfect base for exploring the many faces and beauties of Slovenia. Even in December and during the winter months! It only takes an hour from Ljubljana to get to the Mediterranean climate and coastal towns of Portorož and Piran, only half and hour to the Alpine pearl Bled or an hour to the winter skiing fairytale in Kranjska Gora. A holiday visit to Ljubljana can also have a skiing feel to it through a combination of indulgence in the urban capital of Ljubljana and skiing at Krvavec, a ski resort easily accessible from Ljubljana.

Where else can you experience a capital along with true winter delights in such a simple way?